Singapore— A 39-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged for setting off fireworks in Singapore during Diwali celebrations, in violation of the city-state’s strict ban on fireworks, local media reported on Thursday.
The accused, Dilip Kumar Nirmal Kumar, allegedly ignited fireworks at an open field along Carlisle Road last week, committing an offence under Singapore’s Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act, 2021, according to Channel News Asia.
The incident came to light after a video of the fireworks display surfaced online, prompting police action. Authorities confirmed that a report had been lodged and that an investigation was launched soon after the footage went viral.
Dilip appeared before a Singapore court via video link, a standard procedure for individuals under custody. The court scheduled his next hearing for November 20.
Under Singaporean law, the unauthorised use or possession of prohibited explosives carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a fine of up to SGD 100,000 (approximately USD 77,000).
The city-state enforces a complete ban on fireworks due to public safety concerns, with limited exceptions for licensed events approved by the authorities.